The oropharynx (“pharynx”, from the Greek pharugks, meaning throat) constitutes a structure of the pharynx.

Position. The oropharynx is one of the three segments of the pharynx (1), an organ considered to be the crossroads between the airways (from the nasal cavity to the larynx) and the digestive tract (from the oral cavity to the esophagus). The oropharynx is located at the back of the oral cavity and is open to the latter. It extends the nasopharynx and communicates downward with the laryngopharynx.

Structure. The oropharynx is a muscular and membrane duct. It contains tonsils involved in the body’s immune defense system. There are several of them within the pharynx, but the best known are the palatal tonsils, commonly referred to as “tonsils” in common parlance. They are located in the oropharynx, to the right and left of the uvula. The oropharynx also includes other parts like the uvula, soft palate, and the base of the tongue (2).

Role in swallowing. The action of various muscles in the pharynx, and in particular the oropharynx, ensures the transit of food or fluids ingested from the mouth to the esophagus (3). In order to prevent their passage through the airways, the uvula and epiglottis will respectively close access to the nasal cavities and the larynx.

Respiratory function. Constituting a part of the pharynx, the oropharynx allows the passage of air between the nasal cavities and the larynx.

Role in phonation. The emission of vocal sound is due to the vibration of the vocal cords, located at the level of the larynx. The pharynx, the rib cage, the oral and nasal cavities play a role of amplification and resonance.

Immune defenses. Home to the tonsils, otherwise known as the tonsils, the oropharynx plays an essential role in immune defense, at the crossroads of the airways and digestive tracts.

Sore throat. In the majority of cases, they are of viral origin. These symptoms can be associated with inflammation of the oropharynx.

Pharyngite. It designates the inflammation of the tissues of the pharynx, in particular at the level of the oropharynx. It is manifested by dryness and irritation of the throat. It is often caused by a viral or bacterial infection (4). It can also be non-infectious, caused in particular by exposure to allergens.

Angina. It corresponds to the inflammation of the tonsils. We can speak of red or white angina depending on the appearance and color of the tonsils. It is often caused by a virus. In the case of a bacterial origin, it is caused by streptococcus.

Oropharynx cancer. It is usually associated with throat cancer (5).

Medical treatment. An antibiotic may be prescribed for a bacterial infection. Pain relievers may also be advised to relieve pain. Antiallergic treatment may be combined if an allergy is confirmed.

Pharyngectomie. In the most severe cases of cancer, removal of the pharynx may be performed6.

Radiotherapy. Cancer cells are destroyed by exposure to x-rays6.

Chemotherapy. Medicines can be given to limit the spread of cancer.

Complementary solutions. In prevention or to relieve throat pain, homeopathic or herbal solutions can be used.

Physical examination. In the case of inflammation, observation of the throat (red throat) may be sufficient to establish the diagnosis.

Strep throat rapid test. In order to detect a bacterial infection, the doctor takes a sample from the tonsils by rubbing a swab, a kind of cotton swab. This sample is then immersed in a “test solution” to reveal the presence of streptococcus (7).

Indirect laryngoscopy. It allows you to observe the throat using a small mirror placed at the back of the throat.

Direct laryngoscopy. Using a rigid and flexible tube inserted through the nose, the doctor can visualize the pharynx and the larynx. This intervention can also allow a sample to be taken (biopsy) if the examination requires it.

Rhinofibroscopy. Performed under local anesthesia, this examination can allow visualization of the nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx.

The panendoscopy. Performed under general anesthesia, this examination allows exploration of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea and esophagus8.

Hippocrates described the pharynx as the vestibule of the airways and digestive tract (9).